After so much harakiri and losing out to Audi’s MMI, BMW has come out with a new iDrive system. BMW which first introduced the iDrive system in 2001 in its 7-series has come out with the new iDrive (iDrive 4.0). This new iDrive will be seen in 2009 7 Series and 3 Series. The new iDrive with which uses leaf through stacked graphical menus, moving left to right toward the desired selection as if on a Mac computer. A scintillating 8.8-inch LCD screen is a stroke of high-resolution lightning. The big rotary knob is also reformed, now clustered with four direct-selection buttons (CD/radio/phone/system) and three control buttons, including the blessed “Back.”
Suzuki’s Grand Vitara was the first small SUV in the Indian market. Launched in the 1980s the car has always been there with an unusually long lifecycle. Now the car has made a comeback with a facelift. Visually the Vitara sports the same ‘what-next’ stance and little has been changed in that. The fog lights are repositioned to provide a wider look. New 17” alloy wheels must give the car better handling with disc brakes at the rear. Other than this a new 2.4 litre engine is introduced which boosts power to 166 bhp, and increases the torque by almost 25%. There is a V6 available which will be offered in one version only. The fuel consumption is almost as that of the previous 2-litre engine.
The Vitara has a unique feature in its construction which may be noticeable only when driven as it should be. The car is constructed by a new ‘built-in ladder frame’, which integrates the monocoque body design and the traditional ladder frame. This gives better rigidity and support to the car body.
Inside the car has a new integrated multi-function display in the metal cluster. The audio control switches on the steering mount are now illuminated. The seat fabric is also redesigned. The changes are very subtle but noticeable. Suzuki has also added two more colours – Quasar grey and Twilight Violet, on the menu. It seems the Grand Vitara has a long way to go before it retires.
Have you ever observed that very few hatchbacks are actually hot? Whenever you think of a hot sports car, what comes into your mind is probably a coupe, roadster or at-least a sedan. Well, as you would have observed from the pictures, a new car is about to be launched into your mind. The car is a potential replacement of the Ford Focus. The car is based on the same platform as Fiat Bravia and Lancia Delta.
The designers at Alfa Romeo have once again proved themselves with this car. The front end has followed certain design cues from the MiTo and the gorgeous 8C Competizione. Upfront the deep and protruding Alfa Romeo grille inspired by the Competizione and the circular head lamps inspired by the MiTo are prominent. If the looks are good from the front, they are stunning from the back, to say the least. The rear rake angle is quite high, a feature though present in the concepts of most cars, does not make it to the production. The LED lamps have a simplistic yet effective design. The twin exhausts and the small spoiler complete the car’s outer looks.
Under the hood, the is expected to be powered by a 1.7 liter petrol or a 1.9 liter diesel, peaking somewhere between 120 and 250 bhp. The car will be available in both 3-door and 5 door versions and will be on sale by the middle of next year, at around 16500 pounds.
Toyota Motor Corporation recently launched its smallest city car yet. Christened iQ, the name says it all. It’s small, sophisticated and futuristic. The car has started a new class of its own, ‘micro-premium’. The car is a little under 3 metres long and can seat 3 comfortably with a place for a child or luggage. Toyota claims that the car will emit as little as about 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.
The iQ will run on a 1-litre engine with options of a multidrive continuously variable transmission. It has a very good ride quality and gives a great response at medium and low speeds and is stable under high speeds. Technologically the car will put family sedans to shame. The basic model has a 15” wheels, remote central locking, six speakers with auxiliary socket, and electrically-heated automatic rearview mirrors. Additionally a Steering-assisted Vehicle Control System (S-VCS) and the world’s first Supplement Restraint System rear window curtain air-bag making a total of nine airbags are standard across all models. Satellite navigation with Bluetooth and iPod integration is also available. The iQ2 flaunts high gloss alloy wheel, fog lights, and bi-halogen headlights with smoked glass, automatic vipers, headlights and auto-dimming interior mirrors. This plethora of gadgetry and a beautiful car can be bought at 9500 or 11500 pounds.
One of the most elusive bikes in the automobile company has finally been launched. The Kawasaki 2009 Ninja 250 R was recently launched. In the light of the current economic crisis it may take while for the Ninja to reach the Indian shores. Though there is no word about the Indian launch from either Bajaj Auto or Kawasaki, everyone is willing to wait.
The bike is gorgeous as usual and from the specs is fast as hell as usual and will probably grip the tarmac like chewing gum as usual. What is not usual is that the bike will be available in the Lime green and diablo black colour. There is a fine strip around the wheel in the body colour. The 250 R will run on a 250cc mill with a 6 speed transmission. The bike will be sold at $3900 for the regular version and $4100 for the special edition.
Toyota has launched a face-lifted version of its Fortuner in Thailand. Previously the car had an all business dull look that belied what the car was capable of. Now the small facelift has been very successful in bringing the character of the car to the fore. The car’s grills are altered to provide a starring glance upfront with the headlights merging into the grill. The headlights feature a projector lens and the tail lamp use clear lens. Otherwise the package is unadulterated.
The car will run on a 4 litre diesel, the same as in the Innova, which sadly is the only available option. The engine produces 163 bhp and 35 Kgm torque. The car comes in both 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive, mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Coil spring suspensions are used in all 4 wheels promising a comfortable driving in the worst possible road conditions, where one is likely to take the behemoth.
The 7-seater is packs as much technology as it carries luggage. Climate control, separate AC vents for the 3 rows and an audio system with steering mounted control are available as options. The interiors are a pleasant place to be, and you forget that you are driving a 2 tonne (1.8 to be accurate) SUV down a slushy terrain. The car is at home at business meetings as well as endurance tests and thus is a potential challenger to cars across a wide class. The car is estimated to be priced around 18 lakhs, and will be manufactured from the Bhidadi plant from CKU (completely-knocked down-units). It is expected on Indian roads by the end of next year.
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